India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
